CD REVIEW: Beth Thornley - "Beth Thornley" This is a very impressive CD debut from a strong band. I can't help but make the reference to Fiona because I hear a dash of Jon Brion in the mix. There are reminiscent twist and turns in the production and arrangement. But the sound has a lot less brooding and a lot more playful humor than Fiona. There is also some British Invasion retro influence in the sound, a la Smashmouth but Thornley's nice sweet pipes make it less heavy hitting than that sound. I guess the point is that I definitely appreciate the creative surprises they use in their arrangement choices because they make the songs much less predictable to the ear. It's very impressive that this is a band self-produced CD. Rob Cairns is one of the band members, but is also given production and recording credits. My hat is off to him for getting such a rich, varied and professional sound in the CD. He also shares some co-writing credit with Thornley. But there is no mistaking that Beth is the centerpiece of the sound. She is a strong writer, with many melodic and rhythmic surprises up her sleeve, and a really nice vocal sound also. |